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Here’s the cold, hard truth: You’re right to be suspicious of any skin care products that claim to turn back time overnight. We’re sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but even some of the most highly rated retinol serums, eye creams, and wrinkle creams are incapable of completely erasing all of your fine lines and filling out every single wrinkle.
That’s not to say that all products are ineffectual. At the end of the day, when you have the right products with the right ingredients, an anti-aging skin care routine can work wonders, especially when boosted with a well-formulated wrinkle cream. “Yes, wrinkle creams are 100 percent worth the investment,” says Dr. Karan Lal, an Arizona-based double-board certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist. “They often also contain hyaluronic acid, which hydrates the skin and softens fine lines. The issue with wrinkle creams is that they take time [to work]. Do not expect immediate results.” Remember, they’re not going to make you look like a teenager again. However, with consistent use, they can certainly reduce the look of wrinkles and other signs of aging, including dark spots, dullness, and dryness.
Top picks for the best wrinkle creams of 2024
To help you cut through the noise and find an efficacious formula, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best wrinkle creams that are worth the money with insights from trusted experts, experienced beauty editors, and plenty of vetted customer reviews. You can rest assured that these products will do their jobs and do them well.
1
Best Overall
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream
Pros
Hydrating - More gentle on skin than typical retinol creams
Cons
- Takes time to see results
Shave off a few years by using this potent cream, packed with retinol, ferulic acid, and bakuchiol to speed up cell turnover to reveal fresh, renewed skin that looks visibly younger and brighter. Skin type:
Size: 2 oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.8/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Do I have wrinkles? No, but I am doing everything possible to delay them while I’m still in my twenties. Don't get me wrong—I’m not afraid of aging. However, if there are dozens of anti-aging products at my disposal, why not use them? I love pretty much every product in Dr. Dennis Gross’s Advanced Retinol + Ferulic line, especially this cream, because they make my skin feel smoother and look brighter and younger. A hairstylist told me I look like I’m 23 years old. She was a few years off, but that means I’m doing something right—right?”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
2
Best for Firming
Caudalie Premier Cru Anti Aging Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Strong scent
Caudalie’s Premier Cru moisturizer is luxury you can feel. With a thick, nourishing formula—which uses hyaluronic acid to boost hydration—the cream firms the skin and improves elasticity, all the benefits guaranteed to make the bouncer do a double-take when you tell them your age.
Skin type: Normal, dry
Size: 1.6 oz
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Prevention is my skin care philosophy. I’m terrified of injections, so I’ll be using all the anti-aging creams possible to avoid injectables. A little goes a long way with the Premier Cru moisturizer, which seeps into the skin like butter and leaves your face smooth and soft.”—Nerisha Penrose
3
Best for Very Dry Skin
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream Enriched
Pros
- Anti-aging
Cons
- May not be suitable for acne-prone skin
For a youthful glow and a plumped-up texture, this is the cream that will work wonders for your skin. In the short term, it adds a boost of hydration, while in the long term, this cream smooths out fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin type: Dry skin
Size: 2.5 oz
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “You can’t really un-wrinkle a wrinkle once it’s already formed, but this cream does a nice job of moisturizing and plumping the skin so that your little life lines are softened. I like that this works as a full-out day cream as well, with protection for your skin (via SPF23 – an exact amount) and antioxidants. I have yet to meet a Shiseido cream I don’t like, and this is no exception!”—Kathleen Hou, ELLE beauty director
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4
Best for Sagging Skin
Olay Regenerist Cream
Now 31% Off
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Takes time to see results
If you’re looking for that lifted, contoured appearance, this cream was designed to sculpt and define your face. Plus, it also increases the skin’s bounce factor so that you can say goodbye to crepey, sagging skin.
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 1.7 oz
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “If my beauty bag ever got waylaid due to a plane, I would go to the drugstore and buy this cream. This is a cream that has all the buzzwords you’ve heard about in skincare, including niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and amino peptides. It’s a good overall cream, and the moisture and hydration benefits will make your skin look better overall.”—Kathleen Hou
5
Best for Fine Lines
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Pros
- Fast-absorbing formula
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
This serum uses three powerful ingredients to target the most common signs of aging: peptides plump the skin, retinol reduces fine lines and hyperpigmentation, and hyaluronic acid smooths the skin.
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 1 oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “The results of this product blew me away. It softens wrinkles and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. The price is a steal for the quick results you see with this formula. I highly recommend it!”—Danielle James, ELLE digital beauty director
6
Best for Oily Skin
Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Anti-Aging Face & Neck Cream
Pros
- Lightweight formula
Cons
- Has a strong scent
Designed for both the face and the neck, this lightweight cream targets multiple signs of aging in one simple product. With vitamin A, natural extracts, and hyaluronic acid, this cream gives you an even skin tone while diminishing signs of aging.
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 2.5 oz
Nordstrom rating: 3.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I like that the name of this cream comes with a reminder not to forget to moisturize your neck. And your neck will be craving the moisture in this cream, too, formulated with fast-acting hyaluronic acid, chaga mushroom to help with uneven skin tone, and a very gentle retinol alternative.”—Kathleen Hou
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7
Best for Sun Protection
Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme + Global Anti-Aging Cell Power Creme SPF 15
Pros
- Nourishing formula
Cons
- SPF could be higher
This moisturizer is a great investment when you want a day cream that packs in sun protection along with nourishing anti-aging ingredients. Not only will it gradually fade fine lines, but it also helps reduce dullness that can sometimes accompany aging skin.
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 2.5 oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Sometimes you reach a fun age where you can worry about wrinkles and acne at the same time! For that, there’s this. This is an oil-free moisturizer with SPF15 that contains vitamin C—a great daytime solution for people who don’t want something that feels too rich.”—Kathleen Hou
8
Best for Deep Lines
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Cream
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
Sarah Jessica Parker loves RoC, and it’s not hard to see why. This wrinkle cream from the brand not only treats fine lines, but also helps smooth deeper wrinkles. Thanks to its blend of retinol and anti-aging minerals, this formula is like Botox in a bottle.
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 1 oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have been using ROC products since I turned 35, and I am now 80. My skin is better than any of my friends. Even ladies in their 50s can’t believe my age.
9
Best for Dark Spots
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Anti-Aging Face Cream
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Moisturizing
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
Luxury wrinkle creams often boast all the bells and whistles, but this one from the drugstore performs at a price point your wallet will appreciate. Moisturizing and anti-aging all at once, the cream contains retinol, which encourages skin cell turnover, reduces the appearance of lines, and fades dark spots.
Skin type: Normal skin
Size: 1.7 oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have always liked the Neutrogena brand. This face cream did not disappoint. It is rich and luxurious and is easy to smooth on the face. It is not greasy. By the end of the first week, it seemed like some small wrinkles weren’t as noticeable. I really like this stuff. I know that when I run out, I will be ordering more! It’s definitely worth it.”
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10
Best for Dry Skin
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream
Pros
- Firming
Cons
- May not be suitable for very oily skin
With daily use, this hydrating moisturizer will plump the skin over time. The key ingredient here is collagen, which both prevents and improves the look of fine lines.
Skin type: Normal, dry, and combination
Size: 1.7 oz
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars
A First Aid Beauty reviewer says: “Hydrating and firming in one? Yes, please! I love that this Firming Collagen Cream with Peptides + Niacinamide Jumbo helps my skin look bouncy, plump, and youthful. I love that it improves elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Definitely one of [my] new favorite moisturizers!”
11
Best for Dull Skin
L'Oreal Paris Skincare Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer
Pros
- Mild scent
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
Three of the buzziest ingredients right now are brightening vitamin C, smoothing retinol, and plumping hyaluronic acid, and this cream from drugstore veteran Olay contains them all. The formula is designed to give you the softer, firmer skin you’ve been dreaming of.
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 1.7 oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have been using this for over a decade. I know genetics plays a part, but I have to say it makes my skin feel better. and at my age, I basically don’t have wrinkles; either that’s genetics, or this product is helping. Going to keep using it because studies show retinol works!”
12
Best for Supple Skin
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Pros
- Gentle
Cons
- Some may dislike the scent
This cream contains botanical ingredients, like algae, to hydrate and smooth the skin, boost the skin’s firmness, and add a beautiful sheen. Over time, you’ll notice a plumpness that reduces the appearance of lines and crow’s feet.
Skin type: All skin types
Size: 1.6 oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I am 75 years old. I have tried many moisturizers in m“ day. This one was recommended to me by my son - I must have taught him well because this cream is the best ever. I keep it in the refrigerator and apply after using Elemis Toner. LOVE IT!!!”
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Meet the Experts
Dr. Karan Lal is a board-certified dermatologist.
Dr. Omar Ibrahimi is a board-certified dermatologist.
Do wrinkle creams actually work?
Wrinkle creams are effective when used consistently. However, finding a cream with ingredients that cater to your skin woes is key. “Most wrinkle creams have ingredients such as retinol or peptides, which help regenerate damaged collagen. Retinol also helps even out skin tone and pigmentation that occurs from photoaging,” Lal says.
While you can see results with wrinkle creams, they may not be as transformative as the results you’ll get from in-office treatments. “No anti-wrinkle cream is going to take a 65-year-old and reduce wrinkles enough to make them look 15 years younger,” adds Ibrahimi. “One will need lasers, fillers, and other procedures to achieve this. However, getting started early in your 20s will certainly delay the development of wrinkles and allow one to age more gracefully.”
Are wrinkle creams better than in-office treatments?
It all depends on what your skin goals are. “I liken wrinkle creams to brushing your teeth twice daily vs. in-office treatments, which are like the deep cleaning of your teeth one gets ideally twice a year,” says Ibrahimi. “Just because you do the deep cleaning or in-office procedures doesn’t mean you can skip the daily brushing. Likewise, the daily brushing doesn’t obviate the need to do in-office procedures to obtain optimal skin health.”
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Can you use wrinkle creams preventively?
“Absolutely!” says Lal. “These creams help stimulate collagen beneath the skin's surface, so using them preventatively will help maintain and reduce natural collagen breakdown.”
What are the best ingredients to look for in a wrinkle cream?
Look for ingredients that increase cell turnover and improve the appearance of the skin. “The best ingredients with the most evidence by far are retinoids and retinol molecules,” says Ibrahimi. “I also think growth factors and growth factor peptides are other important anti-wrinkle ingredients with solid evidence. Vitamin C and E, as well as molecules that may not help stimulate collagen production but draw in water and help plump the skin, such as hyaluronic acids, will also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.”
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, editors pored over dozens of customer reviews and consulted skin experts to find the best wrinkle creams for all ages and skin types.
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Shop More ELLE Beauty Essentials
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- The Best Retinol Eye Creams to Fight Fine Lines and Wrinkles
- The Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Nerisha Penrose
Beauty Commerce Editor
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Prior to joining the team, she was an Editorial Fellow at ELLE.com. In her current role, she helps lead coverage on makeup, skin care, hair, and fragrances. With over six years of experience in the world of beauty editorial, Nerisha enjoys delving deep into the complexities of fragrance notes, hunting for the best fixes for acne-prone skin, and advocating for daily sunscreen use. She regularly researches and tests the latest products, consults beauty professionals (including our Beauty Advisory Board) to determine the best expert-approved formulas to recommend, and conducts interviews with luminaries across the industry. Nerisha received her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Temple University before joining the editorial teams at Nylon and Billboard. In 2020, she co-launched our popular franchise The State of Black Beauty, an ongoing exploration of—and destination for—beauty at the intersection of Black culture.
Carol Lee
Carol Lee is the Associate Beauty E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty and personal care. Before joining the team, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine and ran the beauty section at The Pioneer Woman. Carol received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from New York University and was one of the first customers to visit Glossier’s flagship store in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Over the years, she’s tested countless makeup, hair, and skin care products, and written hundreds of articles covering the beauty space, from pieces about the trendiest launches to roundups of the best products on the market. As a Korean-American, she grew up in a sea of Korean makeup and skin care products and is a bona fide expert on the ever-expanding world of K-beauty, helping lead our coverage. Additionally, she’s also always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.
